Damper On Clean-fuel Claims

August 18, 1991

Atlantic Richfield Co. has won praise for the ambition behind its cleaner-burning gasoline, but some oil experts say mass production of the fuel is impractical and it is unlikely to be used soon because it will be too expensive. ``From a theoretical standpoint, this is a terrific product. But the question is, how practical is it?`` said Greg Driscoll, director of business development and strategic planning at rival Sun Co. ARCO said the new fuel, EC-X, will cut gasoline`s smog-producing potential by at least 37 percent and toxic emissions by at least 47 percent.